Kent fire service issues fire safety advice ahead of strike

Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) has advised people to think twice about having bonfires or fireworks at home tonight because of a strike by firefighters.

The service will be answering 999 calls, but will run a normal level of service.

The industrial action is being taken in a row over pensions.

"We will be pooling working staff to run response vehicles at locations around the county to provide the best cover possible with the staff available We will still be answering 999 calls, but we are asking the public to only call us in a genuine emergency. However everyone needs to appreciate that the service is not operating at our usual level, so it is particularly important during what is traditionally a busy bonfire weekend for the public to take extra care.

If people will take a few minutes to follow our safety advice they really can help reduce unnecessary calls and prevent fires in their homes and businesses."

– Ann Millington, KFRS Chief Executive

Before you go out, or to bed, unplug unused electrical items, make sure no sockets are overloaded and test your smoke alarms

Businesses need to make extra safety checks too – especially as there are fireworks around this weekend